Artist FAQ
Buyers
Where do the card buyers come from?
- Cards buyers come from sites that are in the 'Powered by BigDates-Solutions' network. Greeting Card Universe is the exclusive greeting card provider for BigDates. You'll enjoy marketing and site traffic that these other sites employ. You don't have to lift a finger! Click here to see "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" sites.
Card Approval
Is there an approval process?
- Yes, we review card images to make sure they are appropriate and that the service is not being misused. You are required to accept the image terms and conditions with each image. Click here for image Terms and Conditions.
If I have a question on a card going through the approval process what do I do?
- Just reply to the card review email or send an email to cardreview@greetingcarduniverse.com Be sure to include the Product ID# in the question for quick reference.
Card Pricing
"Is there and Artist discount price?"
- Yes, artists can buy cards for $1.70 up to 199 cards. If you buy your own cards, you will also receive a 6% commission (10-cents) per card making your effective artist discount price $1.60. The Artist discount code is shown on your artist Administrative Settings page. Enter this code in the Promo Code box on the checkout page.
Cards (physical)
What about embellished cards?
- Sorry, since we do not inventory physical cards we can not accommodate hand-made cards or cards with embellishments like embossing, glitter, fabrics, ribbons, etc.
Do you want my paper card inventory?
- No, we do not keep a physical inventory. All cards are printed on demand that significantly reduces costs, gives us flexibility and we're never out of stock!
What will my cards look like?
- We strongly encourage you to preview your cards carefully at each step (a large view is available to preview the inside text) and use the spell check feature. Your card will print exactly as you enter and create. You are responsible for the accuracy of your cards. If you would like to see an actual sample you will need to order a card like an online customer.
What size are the cards and what paper do you use?
- Cards are folded and based on orientation are 5 inches by 7 inches (portrait) or 7 inches by 5 inches (landscape). Cards are printed on 100 pound cover stock that is similar in quality to cards you would find in an art museum gift shop and envelope stock is 80 lbs, Classic Crest. You select card finish matte or UV coated (glossy finish).
Company
What is Powered by BigDates-Solutions?
- BigDates-Solutions.com is the leader in reminder service solutions licensing its reminder service technology to other companies branded "Powered by BigDates-Solutions". A key element of BigDates reminder services is the suggestions in each email reminder. These suggestions are appropriate paper greeting cards, free eCards and gifts. The appropriateness is based on the type of event, gender of the receiver, relationship of the sender and receiver, age of the receiver, etc.
Financial
Does it cost anything?
- No, your artist account is completely free. As we make improvements we may offer some advanced services and features at a nominal fee. You will be clearly notified if and when these are made available.
How much money will I earn?
- You will earn up to $0.60 for each of your paper cards sold. Artist payments will be made thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter if the amount owed exceeds twenty-five dollars ($25). You can increase your minimum payment amount.
How will my fees be paid?
- We pay by check. There are no additional postal or service fees. We can also pay via PayPal.
Who collects payment from the customer?
- Greeting Card Universe handles the ecommerce transaction.
Are there quantity discounts?
- Yes, there are quantity discounts for larger card orders. You will earn a different amount per card based on the overall size of the order. Click here for Quantity Discount Pricing.
Can I use my earnings to buy cards?
- Yes, during the payment step in the checkout process you will be given the option to use some or all of your current earnings towards the order.
Formatting
What are the file format specifications for uploading card images?
- "The quality of your printed card is a direct result of the quality of the image or photo that you supply. For best results, start with a clear, shadow free, high-resolution image. Please note, you will need to upload a digital image that can be printed as the front cover of the greeting card. Pictures of cards will not be accepted.
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- File Format: JPEG
- File Size: up to 3.85MB
- Dimension: 5x7 inches or 7x5 inches
- Resolution: 180dpi minimum / 300dpi recommended
- Template: click to download
Do you have any tools to help me prepare my image properly?
- Yes, the best way to ensure proper layout and resolution is by using our template. Click to download
Membership
Is it easy to set up my cards?
- Yes. You upload your images, create the card messages and provide details to profile them as cards and that's it! Sit back and watch them sell.
What if I need help getting set up?
- The registration and set up process is fairly simple with helpful common questions. If you need future assistance email our Artist support team.
I don't want an online store, can I still join?
- Yes, you do not have to setup an online store in order to offer your cards. Simply bypass the store setup steps.
How are orders fulfilled and cards printed?
- We process the orders and online checkout and the cards are physically printed and fulfilled by our trusted print on demand partner.
Can I cancel my account?
- First, we'd like to hear from you. If there are features and fixes you think we should consider please share them with us. We'll evaluate them and perhaps update the site for the benefit of other users. You can cancel your account at any time. Your account and online store will be closed and your cards will be removed. Please allow up to 24 hours for your cards to be removed from "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" sites. Click here to cancel your account.
Ordering
Can I order my own cards for my own use?
- Yes! This is a great and affordable way for you to print your own cards. Whether it's for a tradeshow or small sale, simply order what you want through GreetingCardUniverse or your own online storefront and pay just like any other online customer.
Is there an Aritst Discount?
- Yes! Artists pay a flat rate of $1.70 per card up to 199 cards. You will also receive your normal commission for these which reduces your effective cost to approximately $1.60 per card. You Artist Discount code is listed on your Administrative Settings page.
How do I utilize my Free Card Credit?
- During checkout there will be a gray bar just above your card for either Remove 1 Free Credit from this Card (in black) OR Apply Free Credit to this Card (in red)
The first has your credit automatically applied, the latter requires you to click to apply.
Profiling
What happened to profiling?
- Cards are no longer required to be profiled.
Quality
"What do I do if I notice a quality problem with my cards?"
- Please contact us and we'll go from there.
Rights
Do I keep the rights to my images?
- Absolutely! Yes, you keep the rights to your images. Click here for GCU Terms and Conditions.
Security
What precautions have you taken to protect my images?
- We have implemented the two following precautions to protect your images. All images, except for thumbnails, will be watermarked at your option. Additionally, on all images we have disabled the right click function.
Store
How do I know how much traffic my store and cards are getting?
- We provide you with activity reports. The activity report will show you how many times your store has been visitied, cards clicked and purchased as well as Ecards sent.
Is there a limit to the number of cards I can offer?
- No, there is not a limit at this time. In the future, depending on usage there may be a limit or a nominal fee for a premium number of cards offered.
Terms and Conditions
What are your terms and conditions of service?
- Click here to see GCU Terms & Conditions.
What are my image responsibilities?
- Each artist is responsible for their own content. As stated in the GCUniverse Terms & Conditions accepted at registration, you must have written approval from the appropriate entity and/or a model release to use their images, or the images are in violation.
Some guidelines to follow:
- 1. You must have a signed consent form to use the photo or likeness of:
A minor under the age of eighteen (18) where the face is recognizable - such release is needed from their parent or guardian An adult where the face is recognizable and the photo was taken at a non-public event, such as someone walking down the street - such release is needed from that person
- 2. You represent that the use of the image will not infringe the copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, right of privacy, right of publicity, intellectual property right, moral right or any other legal right of any party.
This applies to any brand names & images, sporting team names, logos & images, famous people and their likenesses even in caricature and more.
For example: Musicians - Janis Joplin, Elvis, etc. Actors/Celebrities - Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, etc. Sporting Teams - NY Giants, Dallas Cowboys, etc. Vehicles - Ferrari, VW, Harley Davidson, etc Brands - Dos Equis, Ghirardelli, etc.
Similarly this applies to keywords of the same nature that would produce unauthorized and misleading search results.
Note, vehicle manufacturers have protectable trade dress rights in the distinctive shapes of their vehicles. The unique exterior design and shape of the vehicle is their `mark’ or `trade dress' which distinguish the vehicle's exterior shape not simply as distinctively attractive designs, but as the Manufacturer’s creations. This “trade dress” right bars the use of any silhouette, picture, caricature, or reproduction of the shape or appearance of the Manufacturer’s vehicle.
What are your Adult Content guidelines?
- In general, GCU will consider adult content submissions. GCU will be very selective when reviewing images or creative content that is determined to be / exhibit: sexually explicit, nudity, violence, drug use, discrimination and profanity. By nature this is a subjective and discretionary determination, GCU may decline any submission it feels is not a good fit for GCU's market. GCU will NOT consider creative works considered to be pornographic.
What should I do if another artist is misusing my original creative works?
- GCUniverse will not tolerate the copying of another artist's creative work and enforces this policy in order to prevent such misuse, which includes images/art and verses. All GCUniverse artists have agreed to and accepted in the Terms & Conditions that they have or own the rights to use and sell all images/art and verse they submit.
- Granted there may often be similar ideas and concepts, even verses, however at no time should an artist's cards be a clear ""copy cat"" of another's image/art or unique verse. GCUniverse has the right, and will upon our discretion terminate an artist from GCU and their use of our site and services.
- To report misuse of your creative works please send an email to: reportabuse@greetingcarduniverse.com
Website
How will buyers find my cards?
- Most sites that are part of the ""Powered by BigDates-Solutions"" network will be offering your cards. Buyers will see your cards either as results to keyword searches or through card category listings. They may also see your cards as suggestions in important date email reminders.
- Also your cards will be offered on GreetingCardUniverse.com along with all other artists' cards and exclusively on your online storefront."
How do my cards get suggested?
- Suggestions and keyword search results depend on how you profiled your card. Specific and relevant event type, age category, gender and other essentials that specify what kind of card it is and when/who it is appropriate for.
On which sites will my cards be offered?
- Your cards may be offered on sites in the "Powered by BigDates-Solutions network". It's a constantly growing list as we add more sites. Click here to see "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" list.
When do my cards appear on these other sites?
- GCU cards are updated on "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" sites once every 24 hours. The update adds new cards, refreshes changed cards and removes deleted cards.
How can I increase my cards exposure?
- First, make sure your cards are profiled accurately and completely. Secondly, you can use our card category report to see which categories need cards and create cards for those categories.
Advanced Artist FAQs
What is the review time for cards and why do I see some approved ahead of mine that were submitted later?
It varies but it can be up to a 4-6 weeks during some periods. Here are some reasons you may see cards reviewed out of product id sequence:
1) We see nearly 1,000 new cards a day so a disparity of 1,000 cards is literally all in a day's work
2) Large collections per artist, a collection of like cards submitted by an artist is typically spread out across product id numbers BUT, for efficiency's sake, are reviewed at the same time so similar corrections can be addressed vs. skipping back and forth to other cards (often these come by the 100's)
3) FastTrack and Star Submitter cards jump to the head of the line
4) FastTrack Bypass Review cards bypass the review line
5) New artists get their 1st card automatically reviewed when submitted via the getting started wizard
6) some cards get temporarily skipped while reviewers confer or ask for new categories to be created
As more new artists join as well as the number of new cards created grows we are experiencing longer review times (up to 7 days recently) we are looking at ways to improve the review process and make it easier for reviewers and artists alike.
What is the story about the use on artist widgets and Card Seller widgets?
As an artist you can create one widget to promote your cards and potentially make more money. If you also want to be a card seller, you need a separate account with a separate email address. The card seller widget is not store specific and is independent of the one you have as an artist. If you make changes to a widget, then this widget will immediately change on the websites it is posted on. This is helpful as you will not have to have the website owner make any changes. You can change any of your widgets at any time. We cannot combine an artist account with a card seller account at this time. You will collect fees and be paid separately for each.
Can I add simple HTML and external hyperlinks to some of my store modules, such as the artist profile and welcome modules?
Yes, but be aware that care must be taken for your modified store page to load properly on all the browsers in the marketplace. We work very hard to assure that the standard GCU store pages work across many computing platforms. We will not be able to assist you in making any of these custom modifications work. As for external links, this is not prohibited but many artists believe it is wiser to keep shoppers in your store so that they will buy cards rather than be tempted to click-out to another site. We do reserve the right to remove any links you create if we judge them to be inappropriate.
I accidently made a card a Private card and I wanted it to be a public card. What should I do?
If you catch it right away before making your next card, just delete the first card and create the second one properly. If you find this out later, you can send an email to the card review team and asked that the card be changed. We prefer you do this rather than make a post in the Forum. The address is cardreview@greetingcarduniverse.com
I would like one of my cards moved to a different category. What should I do?
Send an email to the card review team and asked that the card be moved. The address is cardreview@greetingcarduniverse.com
I have a custom card request. What is the best way to proceed?
If the direction is clear in the request you can do the work and email the shopper a link to the card in your private gallery. You certainly can contact them before you start to make sure you understand their needs. Time is generally important in order to make a sale. Shoppers have many options so doing your best to satisfy their needs in a timely manner is the best plan. Once the initial card is in your private gallery you can have them review it and if changes are needed, you still have the ability to change the card until they are happy. Maintaining contact with them is important. Be aware that some shoppers may not buy even after you have done everything they've asked. Hopefully this will be the exception rather than the rule.
I don't know where my Private Gallery is?
You need to enable the Private Gallery by going to the Store Layout and Content page under the Look and Design menu on your Administration page. Simply click the enable box for the Private gallery module and then it will appear in your store.
Is it OK to delete the images in the card upload page? Should I?
Once the card is created (i.e.: submitted) you can delete the image from the upload page. This is not required however. In March 2010 a new LINK was added to your upload page to allow you to do a bulk delete of all you uploaded images.
Can I also be a Card Seller of individual GCU cards and receive the Card Seller commission?
Yes! In March 2010 a new Dollar Sign icon was added under all GCU thumbnail images for artists that are logged in. By clicking this icon a pop-up appears which provides the card link code and HTML image code. Both include your artist ID code. You can cut and paste the text link to use in blogs and emails. You can also post the image link code on websites and in blogs. Exactly like the widget, you will be credited 50 cents for each card sold to this shopper over the next 30 days, up to $25 per order, unless the cookie on their PC gets erased or overwritten by another card seller's cookie. This shopper must not be a current GCU member. This is a great way to add to your artist income. See Sell this Card.
Can I place Google Analytics or Statcounter code in my store code so I can track visits?
Yes. If you sign-up for these tracking services they provide code that you can cut and paste into the header text field located under Look and Design>>Store Settings.
How do cards move up in popularity?
It's a formula that takes into account how long the card has been around, number of clicks, number of sales, number of times it has been favorited, number of times it has been in a shopper's cart, number of reviews, number of times customized, number of times it has been a GCU pick, and so forth. It is not easy to tell from day to day why a particular card moves up or down as its position is also relative to the popularity of adjacent cards.
What is the default store sort for shoppers as I'd like them to always see the Artist Choice sort when they first visit?
Artist choice is the default sort shoppers will see, however, if they change it to Newest or Most popular for themselves and leave the store, they will see that Sort in all the subsequent stores they visit too unless they change it back to one of the other sorts. The Sort follows the shopper. If a second shopper comes into your store, and they haven't been anywhere else, they will see the default sort - Artist choice.